Alistair Bayliss has described the work done by Nikki Bull at Margate as 'extraordinary' and says the club are lucky to have such a dedicated manager.

Former Gate keeper Bull gave up the gloves to succeed Terry Brown as manager last December, initially in a caretaker role and then, in April, as permanent boss.

During his reign the 35-year-old has endured a torrid time behind the scenes, seeing a change of club ownership, serving under two chief executives and operating with a playing budget significantly lower than his predecessor.

Despite that Gate go into Saturday's home game with Hemel Hempstead lying 16th in Vanarama National League South, and still in the FA Cup - courtesy of Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Hastings - something co-chairman designate Mr Bayliss says Bull deserves huge credit for.

Not that his first impressions of the Margate manager were all that complimentary as Mr Bayliss explained: "The only time I'd ever really come across Nikki was when he leapt onto the pitch at Ebbsfleet last year when Margate beat Ebbsfleet (the Gate won 2-1 at Stonebridge Road in January).

"I was up there and I thought 'Oh dear what have they got themselves down there,' but I find Nikki a really clever, approachable guy.

"You won't find many managers that have put in the time, the effort and the dedication he's put in, it's extraordinary. You'll be lucky to get anyone who's done what Nikki has done.

"I think he really wants it to work down here, he's loved being part of the club, he's told me there's a warmth here for sure.

"I think Nikki and I will be fine, we're both quite straight talking, we seem to singing off the same hymn sheet with an awful lot of things so far in my short tenure. He'll get my support 100 per cent."

Gate will go into the Hemel game with midfielder Scott Donnelly (knee) and striker Michael Thalassitis (hamstring) both doubtful starters.

Matthias Fanimo and Lewis Taylor - both struggling with Achilles issues - remain sidelined while defender Brett Johnson is still ruled out by a hamstring problem.

Bull meanwhile has revealed he was keen on keeping loan signing Vas Karagiannis beyond his initial month deal, but the club's finances meant he was unable to. The winger has returned to Maidstone.